SHEILA

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SHEILA (Rittberg) ROITENBERG On December 23, 2008, after a Herculean battle with cancer, our beloved wife, mother and Baba passed away at the premature age of 79 years. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Rose and Jack Rittberg, in 1993. Mom leaves behind her love, her husband of 57 years, Shom; children, Kerry, Janis, Evan and Audra; grandchildren, Lindsay and Jillian; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and an army of friends. Funeral services were held December 28 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue. Pallbearers were Randy Cramer, Ian Cramer, Hersh Cramer, Michael Kleiman, Sheldon Zipursky, and Jeff Hirsh. Honorary pallbearers were Ben Chochinov, Syd Palansky, Mickey Rosenberg, Albert Rutman and Mort Slusky. Born in Winnipeg's North End in 1929, Mom attended Machray School and St. Johns Tech. She later studied music at the University of Manitoba. Music was Mom's passion. As a teen she won the Tudor Bowl at the Manitoba Music Festival, as well as other honours. She performed on Rainbow Stage, at MTC, and at the Hollow Mug dinner theatre, where she later served as musical director for a number of productions. Mom co-produced and served as the musical director for the St. John's Tech 75th Reunion Galaxy of Stars and the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue's 100th Anniversary Cantorial Concert. Mom began with the Shaarey Zedek Choir as a young teen and later went on to serve as its Musical Director for a period of nine years in the 80s. She then directed the Rosh Pina Choir for a number of years and was later called out of retirement to direct the Shaarey Zedek Choir for one final High Holidays in 2000. She was also involved in other community organizations including ORT, where she served as chapter President, and the Hebrew Fraternal Lodge. While music fed Mom's artistic hunger, her family fed her soul. Mom supported Dad in all that he did and was fiercely proud and protective of her children. Mom was also a doting daughter to Rose and Jack, especially in their later years. Then, after 73 years, the greatest reward: grandchildren. Mom's entire being lit up when her little girls were near. Being called Baba was, to Mom, the sweetest music of all, and her motivational soundtrack for what was an inspirational and largely successful battle. Mom fought hard for nearly two years and earned good quality time that others thought impossible. She set a standard for bravery, strength and sheer stubbornness and made us all so proud. A heartfelt thank you to all who treated Mom, but especially those at CancerCare Manitoba, notably Drs. Jones and Pitz and Kim and Kaleigh. Also Dr. Lorne Brandes who served as an indispensable advisor and Rabbi Alan Green. Your compassion will not be forgotten. Donations can be made to the Choir and Music Fund at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, or CancerCare Manitoba. Sheila, Mom, Baba, we'll love you forever and remember you always!

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2009